# turn the boat

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/turn-the-boat
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To make a major change in behavior, strategy, topic under discussion, etc.

## Examples

- We need to turn the boat and try a new plan.
- The project was failing, so the manager decided to turn the boat and focus on a different market.
- Recognizing that their current strategy was unsustainable, the board of directors resolved to turn the boat before the company faced total collapse.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.